Statement on Philadelphia adoption of soda tax

SEATTLE, WA – The Philadelphia City Council just approved the second and largest tax on sweetened drinks in the U.S., by a vote of 13-4. Dr. Jim Krieger, executive director of Healthy Food America, issued this statement in response:

“The bold action by Philadelphia’s mayor and city council, in the face of $5 million worth of industry pressure, is a win not just for the health and well-being of Philadelphia kids but for communities across the country.

The move to recapture a sliver of profits from an industry that pushes a product that contributes to diabetes, obesity and heart disease in poorer communities in order to reinvest in those communities is sure be inspirational to many other places. Indeed, we are already hearing from some of them. It’s not ‘just Berkeley’ anymore.

We commend and congratulate Mayor Jim Kenney and the courageous members of the City Council for their vision and fortitude.”